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Cynthia stared back at him, large green eyes narrowed in scepticism. ‘If I give up the gun, what will I have to protect me from your advances?’
Absolutely nothing. She blinked at him, as though she had heard his thoughts, and her mouth puckered, ready to be kissed.
‘Is it really necessary to keep me at a distance? You must understand that if I remain as you wish your honour will be compromised. When we are discovered, as we well might be, I shall be forced to marry you.’
She nodded vigorously. ‘That was precisely what I hoped,’ she said.
That was most unexpected. But it certainly saved him time in wooing. ‘Your methods for seeking my offer are rather unorthodox,’ he said. ‘I will not hold them against you, should we marry. I am not opposed to the institution itself, and I am willing to entertain the proposition that there be a union between us. But I will not allow the woman I marry to bring a pistol into the bedroom.’
‘Perfectly understandable,’ she agreed. But she showed no sign of relinquishing her weapon.
About the Author
CHRISTINE MERRILL lives on a farm in Wisconsin, USA, with her husband, two sons, and too many pets—all of whom would like her to get off the computer so they can check their e-mail. She has worked by turns in theatre costuming, where she was paid to play with period ballgowns, and as a librarian, where she spent the day surrounded by books. Writing historical romance combines her love of good stories and fancy dress with her ability to stare out of the window and make stuff up.
Previous novels by Christine Merrill:
THE INCONVENIENT DUCHESS
AN UNLADYLIKE OFFER
A WICKED LIAISON
MISS WINTHORPE’S ELOPEMENT
THE MISTLETOE WAGER
(part of A Yuletide Invitation)
DANGEROUS LORD, INNOCENT GOVERNESS
PAYING THE VIRGIN’S PRICE*
TAKEN BY THE WICKED RAKE*
MASTER OF PENLOWEN
(part of Halloween Temptations)
LADY FOLBROKE’S DELICIOUS DECEPTION†
LADY DRUSILLA’S ROAD TO RUIN†
LADY PRISCILLA’S SHAMEFUL SECRET†
A REGENCY CHRISTMAS CAROL
(part of One Snowy Regency Christmas)
*Regency Silk & Scandal mini-series
†Ladies in Disgrace trilogy
And in Mills & Boon® Historical Undone! eBooks:
SEDUCING A STRANGER
TAMING HER GYPSY LOVER
VIRGIN UNWRAPPED
Did you know that some of these novels are also available as eBooks?
Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk
AUTHOR NOTE
Writing a story featuring an actor is so much fun, and it gives me a chance to share with you some theatre history research that did not make it into the book.
The stage in Jack’s day was raked, with the front being lower than the back. Going upstage was actually like walking uphill. Scenery included a painted backdrop and flat wooden wing-pieces painted to match. These gave the audience an illusion of depth, and left actors with places to enter and exit on both sides of the stage. At the front of the stage footlights, or floats, rested in a trough of water to prevent accidental fires should a candle tip over, and they could be lowered below the stage when not in use.
The theatre’s chandeliers had to be raised and lowered as well—but never during the performance. Once the candles were lit the house lights were always up, which made it easy for the audience to watch each other as they watched the play. As they are now, the cheap seats were in the upper balcony or gallery. If the audience there was unhappy, they booed by hitting their boots on a loose ‘kicking board’ in front of their seat.
And, as there are now, there were theatrical superstitions. Green has always been an unlucky colour for a costume. Not only is it unfavourable to most complexions, it was supposedly the colour Molière was wearing when he died on stage in 1673.
Happy reading. And ‘break a leg’!
Two Wrongs
Make a Marriage
Christine Merrill
MILLS & BOON
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To Ray-Ray, Betty, Les, Judy, Jana, and Rose. Encore.
Chapter One
Kidnapped! Dishonoured! Forced to marry one’s abductor to avoid the scandal!
It was almost too
